Whether a crooked halo, a fallen angel, drama in the heavens (or down below, in hotter climates), the idea of celestial beings walking among us, working through us or even having their own spats in their ethereal reams is as old as religion itself.
Of course, it is no surprise that TV shows have also turned their eyes to the skies to divine some extraordinarily entertaining shows about angels.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling encounters with angelic warriors, heartwarming tales of guardian angels, or celestial beings entangled in earthly affairs, we’ve got you covered.
From classics like Touched by an Angel to modern favorites like Good Omens, we’ll delve into a stellar lineup that transcends time and space, enchanting viewers with heavenly tales of love, redemption, and divine intervention.
So fasten your halos, strap in your wings, and let’s delve into a cosmic symphony of entertainment that will have you reaching for the popcorn.
Lucifer, Netflix (2016 – 2021)
Look, we are not going to argue about the absurdity of a crime-solving devil, but in the universe of Lucifer, it makes sense and it’s best not to overthink it (bonus points for anyone who got that reference and will be humming it all day).
In Lucifer, the devil himself becomes bored with his existence and abandons his post in hell to cavort around on earth as a wealthy club owner and wish trader – until his life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in a murder investigation alongside LAPD detective Chloe Decker.
Together with Maze, his demon ally and confidante, our favorite charmer begins a journey from a self-indulgent and detached fallen angel, to one who begins to grapple with human emotions and a sense of purpose.
Alongside solving crimes, he confronts personal demons and attempts to understand the complexities of human nature – and we learn that the angelic world is just as dramatic and full of family conflict as any earthly counterpart.
Good Omens, Amazon Prime Video (2019 – present)
This incredibly delightful and irreverent comedy is based on the very popular book collaboration between acclaimed authors Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
As the apocalypse draws nearer, we learn about the unlikely and most definitely forbidden friendship between the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley that has been developing slowly since the days of Eden.
With the end of the world looming at the hands of a child, these two friends scheme to prevent the catastrophe, because even though they knew it was coming and know better than to question God’s “ineffable plan”, the two have grown fond of their cushy lives on Earth… something they would rather hang on to instead of fulfilling their celestial duties.
But, when they realize that they’ve misplaced the antichrist, they have limited time to track down the world-ending 11-year-old, while fooling all of heaven and hell into thinking the plan is on track.
Touched by an Angel, CBS (1994 – 2003)
Who doesn’t have euphoric memories of a stunningly backlit angel Monica revealing her true angelic self to her person of the week? Goosebumps!
Touched by an Angel is a deeply beloved TV show that captured the heart of many viewers, with its core trio of celestial beings, Monica, Tess, and Andrew, and their mission to bring hope and guidance to troubled individuals on Earth.
Monica is pure compassion in a human form, who only wants to deliver her message of love and faith, while Tess is her supervisor that brings wisdom and guidance to her work.
The two are often met by Andrew, the Angel of Death, who assists when a character requires guidance and love when passing on.
Each episode of Touched by an Angel tells a standalone story, exploring themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of faith.
Highway to Heaven, NBC (1984 – 1989)
Staying with the theme of angels working miracles on earth, we meet Jonathan, an angel on a special assignment from God, and Mark, a former police officer, who form an unlikely duo as they work together to touch the lives of those who have lost faith or are facing difficult challenges.
Each episode is focused on a unique story with a lesson that often brings home the message of faith, forgiveness, and the importance of staying connected with our fellow human beings.
The show is known for its uplifting and often emotional moments that each character teaches and often also learns a valued lesson that resonates with their personal journey.
Miracle Workers, TBS (2019 – present)
This delightful and whimsical TV series takes a comedic approach to the cosmic realm.
Set in the quirky offices of Heaven Inc., the show follows a group of underappreciated angels who are responsible for answering prayers from Earth’s inhabitants – aka miracle workers.
As the prayers pile up, their boss (God) becomes more and more eccentric and uninterested, and the workers are overwhelmed. This prompts one low-ranking angel to ask for a raise or promotion, and by betting with God himself, he nets a nearly impossible miracle task – make two humans fall in love!
What follows is a witty show with plenty of twists, satire, and immensely heartfelt moments as well.
We follow Craig and his fellow angels Eliza and Sanjay as they learn about the complexities of human emotions and what it takes to really pull off a miracle.
Eternal Law, ITV (2012)
Angelic lawyers? Yes.
In Eternal Law, we meet two angels, Zak Gist and Tom Greening, who take on human forms and work as lawyers in the fictional city of York.
The two angels in disguise are assigned the task of helping humans in need, using their supernatural abilities to influence the outcomes of legal cases.
Although they are faced with numerous legal conundrums, the two also learn valuable lessons about humanity and pick up skills that help them in their own angelic dilemmas and personal challenges.
Of course, interfering with lady justice is no easy feat, as the two angels quickly learn that there are ramifications for their interventions, as well as bringing up interesting moral and ethical questions.
The blend of mythology, legal philosophy, and character development is such a different setting that we can’t recommend it enough.
Twice in a Lifetime, PAX (1999 – 2001)
Twice in a Lifetime follows a recently deceased man named Mr. Jones, who finds himself in an angelic realm known as the In-Between.
Here, he is offered the chance to return to Earth for a limited time and make amends for his past mistakes.
In each episode, Mr. Jones is sent back to a different point in time and assumes the identity of a person whose life he impacted. With a chance to right wrongs and change the course of events, he navigates complex relationships and confronts his demons.
As he continues on this journey of second chances, he finds some redemption for his mistakes and also begins to understand the importance of compassion and the fleeting importance of our life on earth.
The show wonderfully illustrates how our actions, no matter how small or insignificant to us, have a ripple effect that touches the lives of many people, some we may not even know.
Wingin’ It, Family Channel (2010 – 2013)
This wonderfully fun TV show follows the misadventures of Porter Jackson, an angel-in-training, and his human partner, Carl Montclaire.
On an assignment to earn his wings, Porter is assigned to help Carl get through the challenges of high school – however, Porter has a bit of a quirky and slightly mischievous side which often results in more trouble than assistance.
Porter and Carl help each grow, often taking on teenage angst, adolescence, and the age-old story of coming of age, or rather, coming of wings in Porter’s case.
Watch as they slowly mature together, learning to appreciate friendship and the responsibility of high school.
Often funny and very witty, the show has a heart as gold as the halo its protagonist is aiming for.
Nobody’s Looking, Netflix (2019 – 2020)
Meet Uli, a newly assigned and somewhat rebellious angel, who is tasked with watching over and protecting a group of humans in a bustling city.
However, what he doesn’t know is that he is being monitored by a group of experienced angels called Observers who ensure that all angels adhere to the strict rules and guidelines of their celestial duties – not something that aligns with his rebellious spirit.
Being an angel that goes against the system isn’t very popular with the higher-ups and Uli is often dumped into unfavorable events as he questions the norm and stumbles into comedic situations as a result.
In this universe, humans are entirely oblivious to the existence of angels, making his job even harder.
Luckily he has his seasoned colleague Greta and the rebellious angel Chico to help him navigate his new job.
Teen Angel, ABC (1997 – 1998)
Follow Marty DePolo, a high school student who tragically dies after eating a six-month-old hamburger.
However, Marty is given a chance to return to Earth as a guardian angel to his best friend, Steve Beauchamp – even if he is invisible to everyone but his best friend.
As his divine mentor, he guides Steve through the trials and tribulations of adolescence, offering advice, and using his angelic powers to intervene when necessary.
However, these abilities often lead to amusing and unpredictable situations, creating a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
This quirky show wasn’t afraid of being witty and honest about the tribulations of coming of age and left a legacy behind that brings viewers back time and time again.
Saved by Grace, Pureflix (2022)
In this 5-episode TV show, we meet two angels, Jeremiah and Grace, who have been sent to Earth to answer prayers and make an impact on people’s lives.
The show sets out to prove that there are no coincidences and that God definitely has a plan for everyone – which is why his emissaries are here to answer our prayers.
Angels definitely walk among us in Saved by Grace, and we get to see an uplifting impact in each episode as miracles happen and people are impacted by the work of God.
Out of the Blue, ABC (1979)
Sent to Earth by the Angelic Council, we follow along with Random as he takes on human form to begin his training as an angel on Earth.
He moves in with the Graham family, where he provides them with daily assistance.
The show focuses on Random’s interactions with the family members, including the parents, Shirley and Walter, and their two children, Randy and Marci.
Random’s heavenly interventions often lead to humorous and heartwarming situations as he helps the family navigate their personal and relationship issues.
A wonderfully sweet mix of moral lesson and comedy, Out of the Blue is a character study of Random’s compassion and wisdom as an angelic being in the making.
Down to Earth, BBC One (1984 – 1987)
In this wonderfully whimsical celestial tale, we meet Ethel McDoogan, who died in the 1920s, 1925 to be exact, by being struck down by a trolley, as she waits in heaven for a chance to earn her wings.
Her time finally comes when the Preston family needs her help.
Widowed father Richard is a former realtor who now creates licenses for inventors – his three children couldn’t be more different, and it is through the prayers of Jay Jay, the youngest that Ethel comes into their lives.
As the only one who knows who she really is, he helps her take on the role of housekeeper for this family in need.
However, she is often bested by the miracles of modern life, like vacuum cleaners, although you don’t need to master a dust devil to make an impact.
Ethel ultimately does a lot of good in healing the family.
Answer for Heaven, MBS (2019)
All of heaven is in a bit of a quandary, as humans have started doing less good deeds.
This prompts the angel Tep to descend to Earth to find out why.
In the background, halos are appearing around the sun, leading to humans attributing it to aliens – but are they?
As Tep sets out on his investigation, he meets up with Ad, a journalist who agrees to help him uncover the reason for this conundrum.
However, this plunges our kind-hearted celestial into a world of crime-solving and investigation, all very foreign to a being who only wants to spread love and positivity.
Nathaniel, ABS-CBN (2015)
This Philippine drama tells the story of Nathaniel, an angel who is sent to Earth to help people find hope, love, and redemption.
As he died as a baby, his pure soul makes him a shoo-in for his celestial position.
In the series, Nathaniel takes the form of a young boy and lives with the Bartolome family.
While facing his own challenges and learning about human emotions and relationships, Nathaniel works alongside the family members, guiding them through various trials and helping them overcome their personal struggles.
The show explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the power of unconditional love. It touches on the complexities of human existence and the potential for transformation and growth.
Dominion, Syfy (2014 – 2015)
It makes sense that the apocalypse would include angels, and in Dominion, we find a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is locked in a struggle between humans and a faction of angels known as the 8-Balls.
The show is a continuation of the 2010 film Legion and picks up 25 years after the events of the film.
Humans now live in fortified cities while angels, led by the archangel Gabriel, seek to eradicate them.
The show follows the character of Alex Lannon who discovers that he is the chosen one and holds the key to humanity’s survival.
Alex, along with a group of human resistance fighters and rebellious angels, must navigate the dangerous landscape and battle against both external and internal threats.
Angel from Hell, CBS (2016)
In a more comedic take, we meet Allison Fuller, a dermatologist with a heavy skepticism of the celestial. That is, until she meets an eccentric woman named Amy, claiming to be her guardian angel.
Amy is a free-spirited and unconventional individual who appears out of nowhere and offers guidance to Allison.
While Allison is initially wary of Amy’s claims, she soon begins to question whether there may be some truth to her angelic presence.
Her advice may be unconventional, but she always has the best for Allison in her heart, though her plans do not always pan out the way either party wanted it to go.
As their friendship develops, Allison must decide whether Amy is truly a guardian angel or simply a well-meaning, if eccentric, friend.
The Messengers, The CW (2015)
A group of strangers find themselves inexplicably connected after a mysterious object crashes to Earth, bestowing them with extraordinary abilities.
The strangers include a scientist named Vera, a priest named Father Romero, a hacker named Raul, a single mother named Rose, and a high school student named Erin.
As they deal with their newfound powers, they learn that they have been chosen to prevent an impending apocalypse.
Soon they learn that they are, in fact, angels chosen to become the messengers of God and the pending apocalypse is of biblical proportions as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse spread chaos and destruction across the globe.
Angel or Demon, Telecinco (2011)
The question of our self-identity is brought into question in this Spanish TV show, as we follow Valeria, a young doctor who discovers she has extraordinary abilities and is caught in the middle of a supernatural conflict.
Valeria learns that she is a Nephilim, a being born from the union of an angel and a human.
This revelation thrusts her into a world of celestial beings, demonic forces, and secret societies.
As she navigates her newfound powers and her role in the battle between angels and demons, Valeria must determine her own destiny and the path she will follow.
Secret Angel, TTV (2012 – 2013)
Even angels make mistakes, and in Secret Angel we meet L, an angel who through her endless fascination with humanity gets in trouble after intervening where she was not needed.
As her punishment, she is sent to Earth to guard the life of the man she saved from a death god intent on collecting his soul within 100 days.
However, whoever fails in their supernatural task, whether that is protecting or collecting, will be erased from existence forever.
Curiously, the longer the two beings stay on our planet, the more human they become, gaining a deeper understanding of the nuance of humanity.
Angel’s Last Mission: Love, KBS2 (2019)
Another angelic Korean series we just have to mention on this list is 2019’s Angel’s Last Mission: Love.
In this Kdrama, the story revolves around Lee Yeon-seo, a talented but emotionally distant ballerina who becomes blind due to a tragic accident.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Dan, a mischievous angel who is tasked with helping her find true love. Only then will he be allowed to return to heaven.
As Dan tries to fulfill his mission, he discovers the complexities of human emotions and eventually ends up falling in love with Yeon-seo himself.
Midnight, Texas, NBC (2017 – 2018)
Based on the books by Charlaine Harris, we follow the residents of a small, remote town called Midnight, located in Texas.
In this small town, various supernatural beings coexist, including vampires, witches, werewolves, and fallen angels.
The series centers around Manfred Bernardo, a psychic medium who seeks refuge in Midnight and becomes involved in the town’s mysteries and conflicts.
As Manfred settles into his new home, he discovers that Midnight is a haven for those seeking refuge from the outside world. Together with his supernatural neighbors and newfound friends, he becomes embroiled in supernatural occurrences and must confront the darkness that threatens the town.
Some memorable angelic characters in the show are Joe Strong, a tattooed celestial with the ability to heal, and Chuy Strong, his husband – who is a half-demon.
Together, Joe and Chuy form a loving and committed couple, often seen as the protective and nurturing figures in Midnight. They play key roles in defending the town from supernatural threats and offering guidance and support to their fellow Midnighters.
Drop Dead Diva, Lifetime (2009 – 2014)
Drop Dead Diva follows the story of Deb Dobkins, a shallow and aspiring model who dies in a car accident.
However, Deb’s soul is sent back to Earth and enters the body of Jane Bingum, a brilliant but plus-sized attorney.
As Deb adjusts to her new life as Jane, she must navigate the legal world, tackle complex cases, and grapple with the challenges of being in a different body.
With her newfound intelligence and legal skills, she becomes a successful lawyer while using her unique perspective to bring a fresh approach to the courtroom.
Of course along the way she is guided by Fred who serves as her guardian angel on this journey. He is often her source of wisdom, offering her a new way to look at things and take on her new life.
Constantine, NBC (2014 – 2015)
Based on the DC Comics Hellblazer series and follows the story of John Constantine, a British, blond, brooding, chain-smoking occult detective and exorcist with a troubled past.
This dark and complex anti-hero possesses a deep knowledge of the supernatural and a unique ability to detect and combat paranormal threats.
Sadly, he is haunted by his past mistakes and seeks redemption by protecting humanity from demonic forces.
As Constantine investigates various supernatural cases, he encounters demons, angels, and other mystical beings.
He forms alliances and enlists the help of allies, including Zed Martin, Chas Chandler, and Manny the Angel. Together, they face dangerous entities from the netherworld and navigate a world where the boundaries between heaven, hell, and Earth are blurred.
Constantine is a fan-favorite character and has enjoyed numerous adaptations, but many fans agree that the TV show is the closest to their beloved comic book character.
Charmed, The WB (1998 – 2006)
As one of the all-time popular supernatural TV shows, Charmed introduces us to the Halliwell sisters, a trio of powerful witches known as the Charmed Ones.
Throughout the series, the Charmed Ones encounter various supernatural entities, including angels, who often offer guidance and assistance in their battle against evil.
Angels are depicted as beings of light and goodness, connected to the divine realm.
Additionally, angels serve as messengers of destiny, guiding the Charmed Ones on their path as they fulfill their magical destiny.
They offer glimpses into the future, share prophecies, and play a part in the sisters’ journey of self-discovery and embracing their magical heritage.
It also takes a much more personal turn, when one of the sisters falls in love with Leo, one of the guardian angels for the witches and this becomes a pivotal plot point that spans many seasons.
Supernatural, The CW (2005 – 2020)
Known for its devoted fan base and incredibly long run, Supernatural follows the story of two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, who hunt supernatural creatures and protect humanity from paranormal threats.
Sam and Dean are raised as hunters by their father after their mother is killed by a supernatural entity.
As they grow up, they travel across the United States, battling demons, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and various other creatures from folklore and urban legends.
Along their journey, they encounter angels, demons, and other powerful beings that shape the overarching narrative.
As the show grew, so did the immense mythology of the plot, with journeys to hell, stories spanning multiple seasons, and the occasional monster of the week here and there.
Most notably, Castiel became an instant fan favorite after initially being introduced as a powerful angel who becomes a close ally of the brothers.
Castiel goes through various transformations throughout the series, from a loyal soldier of Heaven to a rebel against his angelic brethren.
Preacher, AMC (2016 – 2019)
Based on the comic book of the same name, in Preacher, we follow the story of Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher in Annville, Texas, who becomes possessed by a supernatural entity known as Genesis.
With the power of Genesis, which is a combination of an angel and a demon, Jesse gains the ability to command anyone to do whatever he says.
As he grapples with his newfound power and the responsibilities that come with it, he embarks on a journey to find God, who has abandoned Heaven.
Alongside his ex-girlfriend Tulip O’Hare and an Irish vampire named Cassidy, Jesse sets out to confront various supernatural beings, including angels, demons, and even the Saint of Killers, an unstoppable assassin.
Angels play a significant role as both allies and adversaries to Jesse and his companions as these heavenly beings seek to retrieve Genesis and restore balance in the universe. However, they also have their own agendas and motivations that impact Jesse’s mission to find God.
Shadowhunters, Freeform (2016 – 2019)
Based on The Mortal Instruments books written by Cassandra Clare, Shadowhunters follows the adventures of Clary Fray, a young woman who discovers that she is part of a hidden world of supernatural beings.
The Shadowhunters are half-human, half-angel warriors tasked with protecting the human world from demons using their enhanced abilities and powerful weapons to fight against the forces of darkness.
As Clary delves deeper into their world, she uncovers her own hidden heritage and the truth about her past.
Throughout the series they navigate a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and supernatural conflicts, battling not only demons but other creatures such as vampires, werewolves, and warlocks.
We also learn about the angel Raziel who created the first Shadowhunters and is associated with the powerful Mortal Instruments, sacred objects that grant immense power.
Fallen, ABC Family (2006)
In this novel-to-series adaptation, we meet teenager Aaron Corbett, who discovers that he is a Nephilim, a half-human, half-angel hybrid.
As he navigates his newfound identity and abilities, he becomes entangled in a battle between the forces of Heaven and Hell.
Throughout the series, Aaron encounters both angels and demons who seek to influence his path and determine the fate of the world.
With the help of his guardian angel, Camael, Aaron must uncover his true purpose and make choices that will impact the balance between good and evil.
Based on the novel Fallen by Thomas E. Sniegoski, we also see his abilities manifest in unique ways like talking to animals, and redeeming fallen angels – sending them back to heaven.
The OA, Netflix (2016 – 2019)
The OA show follows the story of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who resurfaces after having been missing for seven years and refers to herself as the OA.
She now possesses unexplained abilities and claims to have a transcendent experience during her absence.
As the series unfolds, Prairie gathers a group of diverse individuals and shares her extraordinary story with them.
She reveals her time spent in another dimension and her encounters with mystical beings. The group, consisting of both believers and skeptics, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind Prairie’s story and the nature of their own existence.
Although we do not directly encounter angels in this show, the themes of spirituality and faith often hint at beings from other dimensions that could be angelic in nature, in fact, this is one of the mysteries in this must-watch TV show.
Bonus TV Shows That Feature Angelic Beings
Dead Like Me, Showtime (2003 – 2004)
Meet Georgia “George” Lass, a young woman who dies unexpectedly and becomes a grim reaper.
As a grim reaper, George is part of a team of other reapers who are responsible for escorting the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.
Each reaper has a specific quota of souls to collect, and they assume the appearance of ordinary people to blend in with the living.
George and her fellow reapers navigate the challenges of their unconventional existence while coming to terms with their own unfinished business and personal growth.
Though not exactly an angel, life as a grim reaper is an angelic duty, and to some, she is an angel of death who reports to a higher, unknown power.
The show is darkly humorous, poignant, and a beautiful character study.
Sandman, Netflix (2002 – present)
Based on the highly acclaimed comic book series written by Neil Gaiman, Sandman follows the story of Dream, also known as Morpheus or the Sandman, who is one of the seven Endless.
The show begins with Dream being captured and held captive by an occultist for nearly a century. Upon his escape, Dream embarks on a journey to reclaim his kingdom, the Dreaming, and restore order to the realm of dreams.
Throughout the series, Dream encounters various beings and explores different realms, including the waking world and even Hell.
He interacts with a diverse cast of characters, both human and supernatural, each with their own desires, fears, and agendas.
Of course, as this is written by Neil Gaiman, we encounter the fallen angel Lucifer Morningstar in hell, where she and Dream engage in a bizarre game that needs more than one watch to absorb its impact.
The show is a visual masterpiece that pays perfect homage to the source material.
The Good Place, NBC (2016 – 2020)
Meet Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who wakes up in the afterlife and finds herself in the good place, a seemingly idyllic paradise designed for those who led virtuous lives on Earth.
However, Eleanor is not what she seems, and it seems there may have been a mix-up, as she most definitely belongs in the bad place, and this version of idyllic living is not her thing.
As Eleanor tries to hide her morally questionable past, she befriends fellow residents including the ethics professor Chidi Anagonye, the self-absorbed Tahani Al-Jamil, and the dim-witted Jason Mendoza.
They are guided by the cheerful and quirky celestial being Michael, who oversees the good place.
We can’t say more than that without revealing too much about this incredibly funny TV Show, other than to say that it poses some serious philosophical questions amid a barrage of oversized shrimp attacks and frozen yogurt.
The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy (2001 – 2007)
The Grim Reaper never had it as hard as he does in The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy – two children who become best friends with him after winning a bet against him.
Now forced to be their constant companion and do their bidding, Grim and the two children embark on various absurd and sometimes darkly comedic adventures, often involving other supernatural creatures and entities.
While they are not central characters, the show does include angelic beings as part of its larger supernatural and mythological universe.
In some episodes, angels are depicted as celestial beings with wings, halos, and generally benevolent nature and offer guidance, assistance, or moral lessons to the main characters in comedic or absurd situations.